Globalization and its impact on cultural identity is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in our increasingly interconnected world. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Globalization and Cultural Identity

Analyzing the Essay Topic

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people think that globalization is harmful to local cultures and traditions. Others believe it offers more benefits than drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the negative impacts of globalization on local cultures and traditions
2. Explain the benefits of globalization
3. Provide your personal opinion on the issue

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

High Band Score Essay

Globalization has become an integral part of our modern world, profoundly influencing various aspects of society, including local cultures and traditions. While some argue that this phenomenon poses a threat to cultural diversity, others contend that its benefits outweigh the drawbacks. In my opinion, while globalization does present challenges to local cultures, its overall impact is more positive than negative.

Those who view globalization as detrimental to local cultures often point to the homogenization of societies worldwide. As global brands, media, and trends spread across borders, they can overshadow local customs and practices. For instance, traditional attire in many countries is being replaced by Western-style clothing, and local cuisines are losing ground to international fast-food chains. This cultural erosion is a valid concern, as it potentially leads to a loss of unique identities and heritage that have been cultivated over generations.

On the other hand, proponents of globalization argue that it offers numerous benefits that enhance rather than diminish cultural richness. Firstly, globalization facilitates cultural exchange, allowing people to experience and appreciate diverse traditions from around the world. This exposure can lead to a greater understanding and tolerance of different cultures. Secondly, globalization often provides economic opportunities that can help preserve local cultures. For example, traditional craftsmen can now sell their products globally, thereby sustaining their cultural practices while improving their livelihoods.

In my view, while the concerns about cultural homogenization are valid, the advantages of globalization are more significant. The key lies in finding a balance between embracing global influences and preserving local traditions. Many societies have successfully adapted to globalization while maintaining their cultural essence. Japan, for instance, has integrated modern technology and global business practices while still preserving its unique cultural identity. Moreover, globalization has given minority cultures a platform to showcase their traditions to a global audience, often leading to a resurgence of interest in local customs.

In conclusion, although globalization poses challenges to local cultures, its potential for fostering cultural exchange, economic growth, and mutual understanding outweighs these drawbacks. The onus is on societies to harness the benefits of globalization while consciously preserving their cultural heritage. By doing so, we can create a world that is both globally connected and culturally diverse.

(Word count: 368)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is cohesive and logically organized. It uses paragraphing effectively and employs a range of cohesive devices appropriately (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “In conclusion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “homogenization of societies”, “cultural erosion”, “cultivated over generations”, and “resurgence of interest”.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It uses complex sentences consistently and effectively.

5. Development of Ideas: Each paragraph is well-developed with clear central topics and relevant supporting ideas and examples.

6. Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion, providing a clear final position.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Medium Band Score Essay

Globalization is changing the world rapidly, and it affects local cultures and traditions. Some people think it is bad for local cultures, while others see more good things about it. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

People who don’t like globalization say it hurts local cultures. They think that as big companies and foreign ideas come into their countries, local traditions get lost. For example, in many places, young people prefer to eat at McDonald’s instead of local restaurants. Also, traditional clothes are not worn as much because people want to dress like celebrities they see on TV or social media. This makes some people worry that their culture is disappearing.

On the other hand, globalization can be good for cultures too. It helps people learn about other countries and ways of life. This can make people more open-minded and respectful of different cultures. Also, globalization can help local businesses sell their products to other countries. For instance, local artists can sell their crafts online to customers all over the world. This can help keep traditions alive while also making money.

I think globalization has more good points than bad ones for local cultures. While it’s true that some traditions might change, globalization also gives cultures a chance to share their unique things with the world. It’s important for people to try to keep their traditions while also being part of the global community. Many countries, like India, have found ways to mix modern global ideas with their own culture.

In conclusion, even though globalization can be challenging for local cultures, I believe it offers more benefits. It helps people understand each other better and can even help preserve traditions by giving them a global audience. The key is to find a balance between keeping local culture and joining the global community.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a medium band score (6-7) for the following reasons:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent and shows some logical organization. It uses basic cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “For example”, “In conclusion”), but could use more sophisticated linking words.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but lacks the sophistication and precision of higher band scores. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “open-minded”, “preserve traditions”), but these are limited.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. However, it lacks the full flexibility and consistent accuracy seen in higher band scores.

5. Development of Ideas: Each paragraph has a clear central topic, but the supporting ideas and examples could be more detailed and extended.

6. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion, but could be more nuanced.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale

2. Cultural identity (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentɪti/ – the identity or feeling of belonging to a group

3. Homogenization (noun) /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making things uniform or similar

4. Erosion (noun) /ɪˈrəʊʒən/ – the gradual destruction or diminution of something

5. Heritage (noun) /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations

6. Resurgence (noun) /rɪˈsɜːdʒəns/ – an increase or revival after a period of little activity, popularity, or occurrence

7. Assimilation (noun) /əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/ – the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas

8. Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – the state of being diverse; variety

9. Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – mutually connected or operating together as a system

10. Preservation (noun) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – the action of preserving something

Conclusion

The topic of globalization and its impact on cultural identity is a complex and nuanced one, likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the different perspectives and having a range of vocabulary and examples at your disposal, you can craft a well-argued essay regardless of the specific question asked.

For practice, try writing your own essay on one of these related topics:

1. How has technology influenced the preservation or loss of cultural traditions?
2. Should governments take steps to protect local cultures from global influences? Why or why not?
3. Discuss the role of education in maintaining cultural identity in a globalized world.

Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.